Last year, DJI pulled off a big surprise by equipping its Air 3 drone with a dual-camera imaging system. Thanks to this, the product can offer unprecedented flexibility in terms of video recording and photography, while maintaining low weight. And now the Air 3S has appeared, which represents progress in many aspects.
This time, DJI also focused a lot on photography, and with the Air 3S, the company returned to using a 1-inch image sensor, and the new sensor can work at 50 megapixels, and of course it is capable of that. Sharpen the pixels to achieve better light sensitivity. This camera operates at a focal length of 24mm (equivalent), meaning it has almost the same angle of view as the main camera of smartphones.
The secondary camera received the same rating as the previous main camera, as it has a resolution of 48 megapixels, with a 1/1.3-inch sensor. This will provide up to 3x optical zoom thanks to a lens system with a focal angle of 70mm (equivalent), providing the opportunity to capture close-up shots even from the air. The primary camera can guarantee 2x zoom with the zoom sensor, so you can record videos with the device more efficiently, and by applying this technology, the zoom camera will also be able to “see” more.
We can talk about a significant improvement in quality for both cameras. The main camera can absorb almost twice the amount of light, thanks to which the camera will be able to take clear photos even in poor lighting conditions. The dynamic range of both devices can reach 14°F under ideal conditions. DJI tried to emphasize in the presentation that the new Air 3S will be a better video recording partner in all conditions.
HDR video recording is supported even at 4K Ultra HD at 60fps, so it can dynamically capture fast-moving scenes. If the user opts out of HDR, they can also choose the 120fps option in addition to using the highest resolution. According to DJI, the cameras will also capture fine details very well, with the larger sensor being the partner.
DJI specifically mentioned that colors and contrast will appear better, and you'll be able to enjoy better 10-bit support here. The Air 3S features more advanced colors than before, after which videographers can enjoy more freedom in processing recordings according to their own needs. The novelty is said to show significant improvement in post-processing. In addition to the larger sensor, the company has also increased the maximum ISO value, and ISO 12800 can now be selected. Of course, this amount of noise does appear, but it remains manageable.
DJI is even using a new compression process, and according to the company, it's possible to achieve a 30% smaller file size with unchanged quality. Thanks to this, you can spend more time recording video, you can focus better on your work, and you will have to deal less with file management. It already offers 42GB of free space on the drone for user videos, so there's no need to feel embarrassed even if you don't have a memory card on hand, but need to shoot something on video.
An important innovation of the Air 3S is that it has got better monitoring technologies. Since the drone was ready to take pictures even at sunset, it started using an obstacle avoidance sensor which works well even in the dark. The structure contains a forward-looking LiDAR, an infrared sensor, and several visual sensors for 360-degree monitoring of obstacles. In addition, it has also received a new generation intelligent RTH function, so that it can land exactly at the take-off point even if, for example, there is a problem with the GPS signal.
The DJI Air 3S weighs just 724 grams and can stay in the air for 45 minutes on a single charge, as long as conditions are ideal for it. As usual, the company provides many tools to plan the trip to get the best shots. The battery can be replaced in seconds if the device runs out of power, and with the Fly More Combo you can fly continuously for a long time. Recordings from the drone can be saved even when it is not operating, so it can be used more efficiently.
The DJI Air 3S costs 1,160 euros with the RC-N3 remote control, 1,470 euros in the Fly More Combo package, and 1,670 euros if you sign up for the novelty with the DJI RC 2 controller. Deliveries of the drone will start in the next few days.
